Episode 35

full
Published on:

31st Mar 2025

Sheila FitzPatrick: Data Protection, AI, and Cybersecurity

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Sheila FitzPatrick, a leading international employment and data protection attorney, recognized for her expertise in privacy and security. The conversation covers Sheila's journey from employment law to becoming an influential figure in data privacy, her role in shaping international privacy laws, including the GDPR, and her insights on the burgeoning field of AI and its implications for data privacy. Sheila discusses the critical differences between privacy and security, the importance of data minimization, and how businesses can turn privacy into a competitive advantage. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations of AI, the transparency required in privacy policies, and practical steps businesses can take to ensure compliance with global privacy regulations.

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Episode Breakdown

00:00 Meet Sheila FitzPatrick: Privacy and Security Expert

03:21 The Journey into Data Privacy

05:57 The Impact of GDPR and Privacy Laws

14:57 Global Privacy Strategies for Businesses

23:53 Marketing and Data Privacy Challenges

29:20 Turning Data Privacy into a Competitive Advantage

30:34 Leveraging Data Privacy as a Competitive Advantage

31:16 The Growing Importance of Privacy in Contract Negotiations

32:44 AI and Data Privacy Concerns

35:34 Ethical and Legal Considerations in AI

41:11 Challenges for Small and Large Companies in Data Privacy

43:33 The Intersection of Ethics, Law, and Technology

46:02 Advice for Aspiring Data Privacy Professionals

55:43 The Importance of Passion in Data Privacy

56:38 Final Thoughts on Data Privacy and AI


About Sheila FitzPatrick

Sheila FitzPatrick is a world-renowned authority in data privacy, protection, and sovereignty, with a career spanning more than 38 years. As the Chief Privacy Officer for numerous multinational corporations, she has pioneered global compliance strategies that align legal, ethical, and operational frameworks across more than 160 countries.

Sheila’s work has had a far-reaching impact—collaborating with the U.S. Government, the Council of the European Union, and data protection authorities across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. She has served as a trusted intermediary between corporate leadership and Works Councils, drafting over 550 model contracts and bargaining agreements and securing Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) approvals for six global organizations.

Her expertise spans GDPR, CCPA, data sovereignty, AI regulations, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and breach management. Sheila has helped over 500 multinational companies achieve full data protection compliance, navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape with precision and foresight.

Connect with Sheila FitzPatrick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-fitzpatrick-4b458/

Twitter: https://x.com/sheilafitzp

About Simon Bowen

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.

Connect with Simon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/

Website: https://thesimonbowen.com/


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About the Podcast

The Wisdom Of... with Simon Bowen
The Wisdom Of... with Simon Bowen delves into the intricate issues of our time.

Join Simon as he converses with the world's leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to uncover how they tackle complex problems, ignite innovation, and navigate significant projects.

This podcast brings a Renaissance of Wisdom to your week, offering insights into leadership, ethics, global challenges, and cutting-edge ideas.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the decisions shaping our world and learn from the minds driving change.

Get in touch and learn more at: https://thesimonbowen.com/show/

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Simon Bowen